Ok, I woke up early thinking I was going to have a wonderful day today and do the things I want to do. Like work on my project VW Jetta (pics coming soon) or maybe just shop for some things with my daughter as usual too..But NO, I get called into work at 7am this damn fine morning we have, until when i don't know...Sure it's over time but I don't need it or want it..I wish I could tell you who my client is but I can't, so I will say BILLIONS....So I am sitting in the conference room having lunch and writing on my blog...Hope you guys are having a good time reading what I am putting up on here..
BYE BYE Denver , is it going to be Orlando and Lakers for the Championship......
Have Orlando taking it.....who do you have...
Also if you have any questions dealing with cars let me know and I will try and help you out the best I can..
BUY AMERICAN CARS ALSO
DAMN BAILOUT.............
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Should We Believe American Idol Wasn't Rigged?
You mean did a bunch of overheated AT&T workers in Arkansas manage to jerry-rig a Skynet-size telephone voting system, toppling known favorite Adam Lambert in favor of—what's his name—all while a cabal of Fox flacks and producers cackled and rubbed their hands together?
Probably not. But then again, should you trust any of these American Idol clowns? Also, probably not. Lemme put this in a way E! Online readers can understand...
Let's say someone approaches you and tells you he's Robert Pattinson's lost cousin from the mysterious planet SparkleSun. He says he has friends from SparkleSun who can verify these claims, but you aren't allowed to meet them, or talk to them, or travel to Sparklesun, or ask any questions at all.
Instead you're told you just need to have a little more faith, a little more love in your heart.
That's the way it is with everyone involved in Idol.
That's the way it is with everyone involved in Idol.
Take the Fox network: It won't say a word about the tallying process, other than to occasionally say its partners have ways of eliminating power dialers and hackers. Producers at 19 Entertainment don't return calls at all.
And that "third party" company that tallies the voting results? It's real, sure. It's called Telescope Inc., and it has a fine track record of working with participatory contest shows, including America's Got Talent and Rock Star: Supernova. But folks there refuse to explain even the basics of how they verify their numbers. Not without a go-ahead from Fox, which, as we now know, won't elucidate beyond the canned statement it put out the other day.
At first this may seen understandable; no show is truly successful without a bit of mystery, right? Wrong. Take the Oscars, which are every bit as secretive. The Academy has no trouble directing reporters over to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the company that independently verifies its yearly Oscar votes.
One Pricewaterhouse guy even sat on the phone with me for more than a half-hour, patiently explaining each and every step.
One Pricewaterhouse guy even sat on the phone with me for more than a half-hour, patiently explaining each and every step.
But what about regulations, you cry! What about the FCC? Wouldn't they nail Fox under game-show regulations if it tried to hornswoggle us? Isn't that a guarantee of the show's honesty?
Not necessarily. Sources familiar with the FCC have speculated that the regulating body sees Idol not as a game show—with all the regulations that implies—but rather entertainment...in the same category as wrestling.
Not necessarily. Sources familiar with the FCC have speculated that the regulating body sees Idol not as a game show—with all the regulations that implies—but rather entertainment...in the same category as wrestling.
(The FCC itself never discusses specific shows unless it has a ruling to go with it.)
So. Do I personally think Idol is rigged? Probably not. There are plenty of flag-waving Americans who would've taken one look at Adam Lambert and thought he was hinky enough to organize a church social just to garner votes for the other guy. Even the Arkansas AT&T flap is really just a tempest in a teacup when compared to the massive numbers of votes involved in this show.
All that said—much more importantly—do I believe whatever these Idol clowns say? Please. Would I be your Answer B!tch if I did?
So. Do I personally think Idol is rigged? Probably not. There are plenty of flag-waving Americans who would've taken one look at Adam Lambert and thought he was hinky enough to organize a church social just to garner votes for the other guy. Even the Arkansas AT&T flap is really just a tempest in a teacup when compared to the massive numbers of votes involved in this show.
All that said—much more importantly—do I believe whatever these Idol clowns say? Please. Would I be your Answer B!tch if I did?
Adam Lambert's Mother Talks Sex and Contracts
Mum's the word for American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert's mother until he's ready to talk—and word is, he's finally ready.
"I would rather not answer until it comes out," Leila Lambert said in a phone interview with E! News regarding Adam's reported upcoming announcement to Rolling Stone that he is indeed gay.
But that's not the real shocker. Check out what she has to say about the behind-the-scenes antics of the Idol camp...
Leila says she also signed a contract with American Idol and is not allowed to discuss her son’s personal life anyway without their permission.
"We signed a contract with Idol and unless it has been set up by them, I'm not allowed to answer," says Leila.
We couldn't reach Idol reps at press time for comment.
Do you think Adam is doing the right thing by officially announcing his sexual preference? Fire away in the comments.
"I would rather not answer until it comes out," Leila Lambert said in a phone interview with E! News regarding Adam's reported upcoming announcement to Rolling Stone that he is indeed gay.
But that's not the real shocker. Check out what she has to say about the behind-the-scenes antics of the Idol camp...
Leila says she also signed a contract with American Idol and is not allowed to discuss her son’s personal life anyway without their permission.
"We signed a contract with Idol and unless it has been set up by them, I'm not allowed to answer," says Leila.
We couldn't reach Idol reps at press time for comment.
Do you think Adam is doing the right thing by officially announcing his sexual preference? Fire away in the comments.
Twitterless Eve: Not Tweeting About Chris Brown!
Don't believe tabloid claims that Eve has taken to her Twitter page to bash Chris Brown.
Reports surfaced earlier today that the rapper-actress has been blasting the alleged Rihanna-beater with some emotionally charged and strongly worded tweets.
"He's guilty until proven innocent and no man should ever raise a hand to a woman," one of the tweets says. "I'm so sick of people kissin' his ass."
Problem is Eve isn't a member of Twitter Nation.
"Eve doesn't Twitter—ever!" her rep tells me. "It is not her who tweeted about Chris Brown."
Eve's camp is currently working on trying to get the fake Twitter page taken down.
Reports surfaced earlier today that the rapper-actress has been blasting the alleged Rihanna-beater with some emotionally charged and strongly worded tweets.
"He's guilty until proven innocent and no man should ever raise a hand to a woman," one of the tweets says. "I'm so sick of people kissin' his ass."
Problem is Eve isn't a member of Twitter Nation.
"Eve doesn't Twitter—ever!" her rep tells me. "It is not her who tweeted about Chris Brown."
Eve's camp is currently working on trying to get the fake Twitter page taken down.
911 Call Shows Exodus Tyson's Mom "Did All She Could"
A transcript of the 911 call made when Mike Tyson's 4-year-old daughter was discovered unconscious in the family's home indicates the child's mom "did all she could when this tragic accident occurred," police tell E! News.
"She did what experts suggest," Phoenix Police Sgt. Andy Hill said. "She called 911 immediately. She began CPR and continued until police and firefighters arrived. The Phoenix Fire Department 911 operator did an outstanding job on this call, assisting the mother until help arrived on scene."
Exodus, Tyson's daughter with Sol Xochitl, was pronounced dead Tuesday morning, a day after she apparently got her head caught in a cord hanging from a treadmill and choked.
Per the 911 transcript, Xochitl first told the dispatcher her baby had choked from the treadmill.
"She did what experts suggest," Phoenix Police Sgt. Andy Hill said. "She called 911 immediately. She began CPR and continued until police and firefighters arrived. The Phoenix Fire Department 911 operator did an outstanding job on this call, assisting the mother until help arrived on scene."
Exodus, Tyson's daughter with Sol Xochitl, was pronounced dead Tuesday morning, a day after she apparently got her head caught in a cord hanging from a treadmill and choked.
Per the 911 transcript, Xochitl first told the dispatcher her baby had choked from the treadmill.
"I don't think so," she cried when the fire department operator she was transfered to asked if the child was breathing.
The operator then instructed Xochitl to give Exodus CPR, which the mom said she knew how to do, adding that she saw blood in the child's mouth.
"They're coming as fast as they can, OK? They're about a mile away...You're doing a good job," the official reassured her.
Authorities have said that they believe Exodus' death was an accident.
"There is no update to the case at this point," Hill told E! News.
"There is no update to the case at this point," Hill told E! News.
"Investigators continue to view it as an accidental death based on all the evidence obtained thus far. The only other piece of the investigation they are waiting for is the report that will be submitted by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner."
No Matter what you think of him, a child that age is too young to be taken....
Friday, May 29, 2009
Top 10 secret beaches......shhhhhhh don't tell
FACT: The number of bodies on a given patch of sand is directly proportional to the proximity and size of the closest parking lot. That means that if you don't mind scrambling for parking or hiking a bit, you just might find yourself alone on a beautiful empty beach.
HANA, MAUI
1. Hamoa BeachHala trees and swaying palms fringe a half-moon of salt-and-pepper sand, backed by black lava cliffs. In summer, the crashing waves calm down to make the water welcoming for beginning bodysurfers. The three-hour drive from the touristed southern shore keeps crowds at bay.
Where it is About a mile past "downtown" Hana on the S. Hana Hwy., turn left onto Haneo'o Rd. -Lisa Trottier
Where it is About a mile past "downtown" Hana on the S. Hana Hwy., turn left onto Haneo'o Rd. -Lisa Trottier
OREGON
2. Indian BeachAt the end of a twisty road that winds through dense Sitka spruce forests in Ecola State Park, Indian Beach looks open and welcoming. The smooth, sandy, horseshoe-shaped beach is tucked into a cove and sheltered from wind, making it a perfect place for surfing or just staring at sea stacks.
Where it is At the end of the paved road in Ecola State Park. INFO: $3 per vehicle. -Lucy Burningham
Where it is At the end of the paved road in Ecola State Park. INFO: $3 per vehicle. -Lucy Burningham
WASHINGTON
3. Salt Creek Recreation AreaSculpins, seastars, and oceanography students all frequent the tidepools at Tongue Point, but Salt Creek's charms don't end there. Climb a sea stack, fly a kite on the beach, photograph passing ships, or overnight at a blufftop campsite.
Where it is From Port Angeles, take U.S. 101 west 5 miles; turn right on State 112 and go 7 miles; turn right on Camp Hayden Rd. and go 3½ miles to Salt Creek Recreation Area. INFO: Campsites from $18; clallam.net or 360/928-3441. -Jim McCausland
ORANGE COUNTY, CA
4. Robert E. Badham Marine Conservation AreaBetter known as Little Corona, the petite, shy sister of hefty, popular Corona del Mar State Beach can be accessed only by those willing to look for street parking and then hike down (and back up) a lifeguard access road to a cove.
Where it is Poppy Ave. at Ocean Blvd., Newport Beach; 949/644-3038. -David Lansing
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, CA
5. Point BuchonDecades of hikers at Montaña de Oro State Park have reached a fence at the park's southern end and gazed longingly at the unspoiled California coast just beyond it. Now a 3-mile loop trail has opened on this Pacific Gas and Electric Company property, with access to secluded Coon Creek Beach.
Where it is In Montaña de Oro State Park, follow Pecho Rd. to its southern end. INFO: 805/772-7434. -Matthew Jaffe
TETON COUNTY, WY
6. Leigh LakeFor a strangely tropical setting beneath the Tetons, canoe or kayak north up String Lake until a short portage brings you through the forest to Leigh Lake. On Leigh, bypass the first island you come to and head north about a half-mile, to where a peninsula on the western shore juts out to form a tiny beach. (There's a campground nearby too.)
Where it is From the Grand Teton National Park entrance at Moose, take Teton Park Rd. 10 miles north, turn left at N. Jenny Lake Rd. for about a half-mile, then follow signs to the String Lake trailhead. INFO: $25 per vehicle; 307/739-3300. Campsites from $19; gtlc.com or 800/628-9988. -Amanda Gersh
KONA COAST, BIG ISLAND
7. Mahai'ula BeachAn oasis of brilliant sand set amid miles and miles of ebony lava fields, the beach appears to have been dropped in the middle of nowhere. Its westward orientation delivers some of the best sunsets on the Big Island, and its out-of-sight location 1½ miles off the main highway keeps away the tourists.
Where it is Look for a sign reading Kekaha Kai State Park about 2½ miles north of Kona International Airport, off State 19, marking the entrance to the unpaved beach access road. INFO: Closed Wed. -ALEX SALKEVER
San Mateo County, CA
8. Bean Hollow State BeachHidden off State 1 along the San Mateo County coast, Bean Hollow is famous for sandy beaches and tidepools with orange-lavender seastars and purple shore crabs. It's also a favorite spot for beachgoers ― after big storms, it has been known to turn up glass floats that come all the way from Japan. For more discoveries, follow the self-guided nature trail.
Where it is 17½ miles south of Half Moon Bay and 2¼ miles south of Pescadero on State 1. INFO: 650/879-2170. -Matt Villano
SOOKE, B.C.
9. Sandcut BeachA creek spills onto the beach in a misty waterfall, tidal pools carved in sandstone teem with life, and the pebbles are as smooth as eggs. Get an unexpected reflexology foot massage as you walk on stones warmed by the sun.
Where it is 30 miles northwest of Victoria, B.C., on Pacific Marine Route/Hwy. 14. Due to development in the area, the future of public access may be in doubt; call the Sooke Information Centre for more information. INFO: Sooke Visitor Information Centre, 250/642-6351. -Beverley Sinclair
MENDOCINO, CA
10. Bowling Ball BeachDon't let the closed trail sign deter you from visiting the southern Mendocino Coast's most unusual beach. Just beyond an incredible temporary driftwood fort built by some beachgoer and a few hundred yards to the north, extreme low tide reveals dozens of large, round sandstone boulders. Very few people scramble down the ladder to the beach to check out this unusual natural phenomenon, and that's just the way we like it.
Why Are So Many Female Florida Teachers Sleeping With Male Students?
If you're the parent of a teen-aged boy in Florida, you probably muttered "not again" while reading your morning newspaper this week. There on the front page was yet another case of an adult female teacher being arrested for admitting to having had sex with an underage male student. This time the alleged perp was Maria Guzman Hernandez, a 32-year-old instructor at the private Our Lady of Charity school in Hialeah; her victim was 15. But she just as well could have been the 34-year-old Jacksonville public-school science teacher arrested last month for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old student, once in her SUV; or the 32-year-old St. Petersburg teacher collared in March for allegedly "sexting" nude pictures of herself to an 8th-grade boy; or the 45-year-old teacher at a private Christian academy in South Daytona arrested days before for allegedly having sex with a boy from her class in various Daytona Beach hotels.
Other female teachers in Florida have been booked for the same crime this year — and scores of others have also been arrested or disciplined in the past few years for sexual misconduct with students, according to a recent investigation by the Orlando Sentinel, which noted the problem is rising in the state "among female educators in particular." Florida, of course, is hardly the only state where female teachers have been nabbed for preying on boys. And nationwide, male teachers still commit far more sexual misconduct than females. A 2004 Education Department study found that about 10% of the nation's 50 million public-school students had experienced some kind of improper sexual attention from teachers and other school employees; and a 2007 Associated Press report indicated that men were involved almost 90% of the time. What's more, even in Florida those offenders are a small fraction of the state's more than 200,000 public and private school teachers.
But parents and prosecutors alike are nonetheless asking why the female version of pedagogue perversion seems more common on their peninsula compared to other places. "It certainly seems more prevalent, although we can't say for sure if it's worse than other large states," says Michael Sinacore, the Hillsborough County assistant state attorney who, in 2005, prosecuted one of Florida's most high-profile cases, that of Tampa middle-school teacher Debra Lafave, a blond siren who pleaded guilty to lewd and lascivious behavior after being charged with having sex with a 14-year-old boy. (In a controversial decision, a judge did not make her serve prison time.) "None of us can really say why at this point."
Whatever the reason, the crime appears to be getting more cavalier in the Sunshine State. According to police in Hialeah, a mostly Cuban-American enclave adjoining Miami, Hernandez had been having sex with the 15-year-old boy since March, often right in the apartment he shared with his mother (who herself is now under investigation for allowing the abuse to occur).
After the principal at Our Lady of Charity (a private Catholic school that is not formally affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church) began hearing of the illicit relationship last week, she reported it to the state's Department of Children and Family Services. Police questioned Hernandez last weekend — after she returned from a trip to Disney World with the boy — and she made a taped confession, they say. She was charged with sexual battery on a minor, akin to statutory rape, but has not yet been arraigned.
One theory for the growing number of cases like these, says Sinacore, is what he calls "the more relaxed if not blurred boundary lines between teachers and students as teachers try to communicate with kids in this day and age." Those kids, as the media have often reported recently, are far less shy about innocent physical contact, like hugging, than their parents were as teens. That can be exploited by any male pervert overseeing a classroom. But it can also embolden predatory female teachers, who experts say are often in emotionally needy states. "The trend with female offenders, more than males, is that they have emotional turmoil going on in their lives," says Sinacore.
Lafave's pregnant sister, for example, had been killed by a drunk driver before she began hitting on a student; Hernandez is estranged from her husband. Such problems certainly aren't excuses for pedophilia; but they can compel women like Lafave to seek out emotional comfort — or a feeling of control that they might not experience in relationships with adult men. (Read about the notorious Mary K. Letourneau teacher-student affair case.)
It doesn't help that society already brings a double standard to these cases, the notion that somehow it isn't as harmful for a boy to be seduced by a woman as it is for a girl to have sex with a man. In fact, it's not uncommon in the wake of news like Hernandez's arrest to hear morning radio jocks in Florida declare congratulatory high-fives for the boys.
"This isn't an 'affair,' it's abuse, and we have to shift that paradigm," says Terri Miller, president of Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct and Exploitation (SESAME) in Nevada. "We say, 'Bully for the boy and his conquest of the geometry teacher,' but that makes it harder for boys to vocalize their victimization." Indeed, studies by psychologists like Julie Hislop, author of the 2001 book Female Sex Offenders: What Therapists, Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services Need to Know, note that boys who are sexually abused by women often develop alcoholism, depression and their own sexual dysfunctions, including rape, as men.
But why should Florida seem to be experiencing an especially high number of such cases? Are those women, and for that matter the hormonally charged boys they target, somehow egged on by the state's more sexually relaxed atmosphere, with its sultry climate and scantily clad beach culture. (California also has a high rate of teacher sexual misconduct.) Or are Floridians simply reporting more cases like Hernandez's? It is a crime in Florida, as in most states, not to; but perhaps the tabloid publicity of the Lafave case has prodded Sunshine State denizens to be more vigilant, to no longer be in denial about cases like these or take them so lightly.
And yet paradoxically, says Sinacore, it might also be engendering more cases. As potential female predators see more and more headlines about teachers like themselves bedding boys, it can seem more acceptable behavior in their eyes — especially when they see that offenders like Lafave get relatively light sentences. (That might be changing, however: a Florida judge recently slapped a two-year prison term on a 28-year-old female teacher in Pensacola convicted of unlawful sexual activity with a 15-year-old male student.)
Activists like Miller are calling for stricter hiring processes for teachers — the kind of psychological and polygraph testing, for example, that police are subject to — and they complain that schools boards and teachers unions have blocked legislative efforts to more effectively ferret out potential or actual abusers. But Mark Pudlow, spokesman for the Florida Teachers Association, the state's major teachers union, insists the group is doing its part to attack the problem and raise teacher awareness. At the same time, he points out, unions also have an obligation to help teachers who are themselves victims of bogus accusations, also a problem. "There needs to be an understanding," says Pudlow, "that even when a false accusation hits the newspapers, it can ruin a teaching career."
True enough. But for the moment, Florida seems more concerned with the growing number of valid complaints. (Jacksonville alone saw two female teachers arrested last month.) So it's no surprise that a Florida congressman, U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, recently co-introduced a bill, the Student Protection Act, to set up a scholastic version of the national sex offender database and prevent teachers like Lafave from getting classroom jobs in other districts or states. Whether or not the legislation passes, it's a sign of the emotional turmoil that women like her have wrought in their communities.
Other female teachers in Florida have been booked for the same crime this year — and scores of others have also been arrested or disciplined in the past few years for sexual misconduct with students, according to a recent investigation by the Orlando Sentinel, which noted the problem is rising in the state "among female educators in particular." Florida, of course, is hardly the only state where female teachers have been nabbed for preying on boys. And nationwide, male teachers still commit far more sexual misconduct than females. A 2004 Education Department study found that about 10% of the nation's 50 million public-school students had experienced some kind of improper sexual attention from teachers and other school employees; and a 2007 Associated Press report indicated that men were involved almost 90% of the time. What's more, even in Florida those offenders are a small fraction of the state's more than 200,000 public and private school teachers.
But parents and prosecutors alike are nonetheless asking why the female version of pedagogue perversion seems more common on their peninsula compared to other places. "It certainly seems more prevalent, although we can't say for sure if it's worse than other large states," says Michael Sinacore, the Hillsborough County assistant state attorney who, in 2005, prosecuted one of Florida's most high-profile cases, that of Tampa middle-school teacher Debra Lafave, a blond siren who pleaded guilty to lewd and lascivious behavior after being charged with having sex with a 14-year-old boy. (In a controversial decision, a judge did not make her serve prison time.) "None of us can really say why at this point."
Whatever the reason, the crime appears to be getting more cavalier in the Sunshine State. According to police in Hialeah, a mostly Cuban-American enclave adjoining Miami, Hernandez had been having sex with the 15-year-old boy since March, often right in the apartment he shared with his mother (who herself is now under investigation for allowing the abuse to occur).
After the principal at Our Lady of Charity (a private Catholic school that is not formally affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church) began hearing of the illicit relationship last week, she reported it to the state's Department of Children and Family Services. Police questioned Hernandez last weekend — after she returned from a trip to Disney World with the boy — and she made a taped confession, they say. She was charged with sexual battery on a minor, akin to statutory rape, but has not yet been arraigned.
One theory for the growing number of cases like these, says Sinacore, is what he calls "the more relaxed if not blurred boundary lines between teachers and students as teachers try to communicate with kids in this day and age." Those kids, as the media have often reported recently, are far less shy about innocent physical contact, like hugging, than their parents were as teens. That can be exploited by any male pervert overseeing a classroom. But it can also embolden predatory female teachers, who experts say are often in emotionally needy states. "The trend with female offenders, more than males, is that they have emotional turmoil going on in their lives," says Sinacore.
Lafave's pregnant sister, for example, had been killed by a drunk driver before she began hitting on a student; Hernandez is estranged from her husband. Such problems certainly aren't excuses for pedophilia; but they can compel women like Lafave to seek out emotional comfort — or a feeling of control that they might not experience in relationships with adult men. (Read about the notorious Mary K. Letourneau teacher-student affair case.)
It doesn't help that society already brings a double standard to these cases, the notion that somehow it isn't as harmful for a boy to be seduced by a woman as it is for a girl to have sex with a man. In fact, it's not uncommon in the wake of news like Hernandez's arrest to hear morning radio jocks in Florida declare congratulatory high-fives for the boys.
"This isn't an 'affair,' it's abuse, and we have to shift that paradigm," says Terri Miller, president of Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct and Exploitation (SESAME) in Nevada. "We say, 'Bully for the boy and his conquest of the geometry teacher,' but that makes it harder for boys to vocalize their victimization." Indeed, studies by psychologists like Julie Hislop, author of the 2001 book Female Sex Offenders: What Therapists, Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services Need to Know, note that boys who are sexually abused by women often develop alcoholism, depression and their own sexual dysfunctions, including rape, as men.
But why should Florida seem to be experiencing an especially high number of such cases? Are those women, and for that matter the hormonally charged boys they target, somehow egged on by the state's more sexually relaxed atmosphere, with its sultry climate and scantily clad beach culture. (California also has a high rate of teacher sexual misconduct.) Or are Floridians simply reporting more cases like Hernandez's? It is a crime in Florida, as in most states, not to; but perhaps the tabloid publicity of the Lafave case has prodded Sunshine State denizens to be more vigilant, to no longer be in denial about cases like these or take them so lightly.
And yet paradoxically, says Sinacore, it might also be engendering more cases. As potential female predators see more and more headlines about teachers like themselves bedding boys, it can seem more acceptable behavior in their eyes — especially when they see that offenders like Lafave get relatively light sentences. (That might be changing, however: a Florida judge recently slapped a two-year prison term on a 28-year-old female teacher in Pensacola convicted of unlawful sexual activity with a 15-year-old male student.)
Activists like Miller are calling for stricter hiring processes for teachers — the kind of psychological and polygraph testing, for example, that police are subject to — and they complain that schools boards and teachers unions have blocked legislative efforts to more effectively ferret out potential or actual abusers. But Mark Pudlow, spokesman for the Florida Teachers Association, the state's major teachers union, insists the group is doing its part to attack the problem and raise teacher awareness. At the same time, he points out, unions also have an obligation to help teachers who are themselves victims of bogus accusations, also a problem. "There needs to be an understanding," says Pudlow, "that even when a false accusation hits the newspapers, it can ruin a teaching career."
True enough. But for the moment, Florida seems more concerned with the growing number of valid complaints. (Jacksonville alone saw two female teachers arrested last month.) So it's no surprise that a Florida congressman, U.S. Representative Adam Putnam, recently co-introduced a bill, the Student Protection Act, to set up a scholastic version of the national sex offender database and prevent teachers like Lafave from getting classroom jobs in other districts or states. Whether or not the legislation passes, it's a sign of the emotional turmoil that women like her have wrought in their communities.
Real Housewives of NJ’s Danielle Staub’s Criminal Past Revealed
From phone sex to Botox, Danielle Staub has already injected drama into The Real Housewives of New Jersey but, as viewers of Bravo’s reality hit know, it’s about to get really ugly.
Tuesday’s episode showed skeptical costar Caroline Manzo promising to thoroughly investigate Staub after hearing rumors about her acquaintance. And in a preview of next week’s episode, it appears the Manzo family has done just that, discovering a book, Cop Without a Badge, that purports to expose secrets from Staub’s past.
New Jersey’s Star-Ledger obtained a copy of the out-of-print book, and revealed its contents, which expose Staub, 46, as a woman named Beverly Merrill, a one-time stripper with a criminal past.
According to the newspaper’s account of the book, Merrill met the subject of Cop Without a Badge, a felon-turned-FBI informant named Kevin Maher, at a drug party in Miami in the ’80s. Their meeting came after she was released on $10,000 bail following an arrest on charges she was involved in the alleged kidnapping of a man who owed her drug dealer friend money. As a result, Merrill and her dealer friend were caught by police and charged with extortion, kidnapping and possession after they failed to collect a ransom from their victim’s father.
But with his police connections, Maher allegedly helped Merrill get a deal, and she pleaded guilty only to the charge of extortion. She was sentenced to five years probation, according to the report.
The book then goes on to say that Merrill wed Maher (he was married when they met) and attempted to start a family. But Merrill, who was dancing at the strip club Satin Dolls in Lodi, N.J., under the name Danielle, was not a suitable partner for Maher, and he left her.
The book also includes more sensational reports about Merrill’s aversion to wearing underwear, her drug use and sleeping with more than 1,000 men, according to the newspaper.
When reached for a comment, a Bravo rep would only encourage viewers to tune in, saying, “Watch what happens.” According to Star-Ledger’s report, the book Cop Without a Badge received some skeptical reviews on Amazon.com from people apparently closely associated with Maher’s family.
But Gawker.com conducted a public records search, which revealed that Danielle Staub did indeed go by the names Beverly Merrill, Danielle Maher and Beverly Maher.
As for how the drama will play out on television with the Manzos’ own investigation, as it most undoubtedly will, well, stay tuned
Tuesday’s episode showed skeptical costar Caroline Manzo promising to thoroughly investigate Staub after hearing rumors about her acquaintance. And in a preview of next week’s episode, it appears the Manzo family has done just that, discovering a book, Cop Without a Badge, that purports to expose secrets from Staub’s past.
New Jersey’s Star-Ledger obtained a copy of the out-of-print book, and revealed its contents, which expose Staub, 46, as a woman named Beverly Merrill, a one-time stripper with a criminal past.
According to the newspaper’s account of the book, Merrill met the subject of Cop Without a Badge, a felon-turned-FBI informant named Kevin Maher, at a drug party in Miami in the ’80s. Their meeting came after she was released on $10,000 bail following an arrest on charges she was involved in the alleged kidnapping of a man who owed her drug dealer friend money. As a result, Merrill and her dealer friend were caught by police and charged with extortion, kidnapping and possession after they failed to collect a ransom from their victim’s father.
But with his police connections, Maher allegedly helped Merrill get a deal, and she pleaded guilty only to the charge of extortion. She was sentenced to five years probation, according to the report.
The book then goes on to say that Merrill wed Maher (he was married when they met) and attempted to start a family. But Merrill, who was dancing at the strip club Satin Dolls in Lodi, N.J., under the name Danielle, was not a suitable partner for Maher, and he left her.
The book also includes more sensational reports about Merrill’s aversion to wearing underwear, her drug use and sleeping with more than 1,000 men, according to the newspaper.
When reached for a comment, a Bravo rep would only encourage viewers to tune in, saying, “Watch what happens.” According to Star-Ledger’s report, the book Cop Without a Badge received some skeptical reviews on Amazon.com from people apparently closely associated with Maher’s family.
But Gawker.com conducted a public records search, which revealed that Danielle Staub did indeed go by the names Beverly Merrill, Danielle Maher and Beverly Maher.
As for how the drama will play out on television with the Manzos’ own investigation, as it most undoubtedly will, well, stay tuned
New Media and Urban Music: search engines, mobile edition
Situations in which New Media and elements of urban culture converge give rise to thought-provoking questions about early adoption, influence, culture, insider vs outsider perception of culture, and the standards of technological literacy that we seek to maintain as a society.
Does early adoption have different characteristics depending on the community that is doing the buying? In a time where major platforms like iTunes, Boost, and Verizon owe much to the musicality of their commercials, who is influencing whom?
When artists mention technologies in their music voluntarily, as opposed to at the request of a company, how important should this decision be when compared to commercial use in a historical context? Or, perhaps it all of these uses are commercial because all involve the sale of a product.
If one assumes that all music isn’t necessarily commercial, and a commercial features a certain kind of music in order to try to appeal to an urban market, how authentic can the commercial be (a perennial question)? And what about the users? If particular technologies are widely known and used in mainstream culture, how should this use have any bearing in discussions of issues such as the Digital Divide?
The following list is a brief collection of intersections between urban culture and communications technology, which is not intended to serve as a means of answering these questions, but to highlight them and point towards others........
Search Engines
Five or six years ago, if someone mentioned a search engine in a song, people might look quizzical; no longer. This year, pop culture phenom / Hip Hop recording artist (depending on your opinion) Soulja Boy’s Twitter profile consists of two words: ‘Google me.’ , a request which may have been inspired by Pharrell Williams protégé Teyana Taylor’s song of the same title. Later that year, a group of comedy video makers called the Pantless Knights held search engine rap battles in full costume.
Does early adoption have different characteristics depending on the community that is doing the buying? In a time where major platforms like iTunes, Boost, and Verizon owe much to the musicality of their commercials, who is influencing whom?
When artists mention technologies in their music voluntarily, as opposed to at the request of a company, how important should this decision be when compared to commercial use in a historical context? Or, perhaps it all of these uses are commercial because all involve the sale of a product.
If one assumes that all music isn’t necessarily commercial, and a commercial features a certain kind of music in order to try to appeal to an urban market, how authentic can the commercial be (a perennial question)? And what about the users? If particular technologies are widely known and used in mainstream culture, how should this use have any bearing in discussions of issues such as the Digital Divide?
The following list is a brief collection of intersections between urban culture and communications technology, which is not intended to serve as a means of answering these questions, but to highlight them and point towards others........
Search Engines
Five or six years ago, if someone mentioned a search engine in a song, people might look quizzical; no longer. This year, pop culture phenom / Hip Hop recording artist (depending on your opinion) Soulja Boy’s Twitter profile consists of two words: ‘Google me.’ , a request which may have been inspired by Pharrell Williams protégé Teyana Taylor’s song of the same title. Later that year, a group of comedy video makers called the Pantless Knights held search engine rap battles in full costume.
The Alicia Keys' secret's out
K EYS IN LOVE: The music industry is abuzz with the news that wealthy award-winning hip-hop writer/producer Swizz Beatz, who has worked with Eminem and Lil'Wayne, is madly in love with and dating the gorgeous Grammy-winning R&B artist Alicia Keys. They have been all over each other for months now, and Keys reportedly hosted a big birthday bash for him earlier this year. Beatz has a very angry estranged wife, R&B singer Mashonda, who has him in divorce court.
Though sources tell me that Swizz and his wife's marriage was already on the rocks when he hooked up with Keys. So, Keys can't be accused of being a home wrecker.
How long will this last?
Though sources tell me that Swizz and his wife's marriage was already on the rocks when he hooked up with Keys. So, Keys can't be accused of being a home wrecker.
How long will this last?
Eminem Talks About Relapse Hitting #1: 'I'm Glad To Be Back'
Eminem's Relapse is the #1 album in the country, and on Wednesday, he appeared on BET's "106 & Park" and spoke about the album's success.
"Feels great. I'm glad to be back," he told the show's host.
"Record sales ... honestly, since the beginning of my career, I've kinda always said they're not as important to me as the respect and things like that," he added about the selling more than 600,000 records the first week of Relapse's release — a high for this year. "I would rather rap to get respect from the fans and my peers and things like that. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to sell any records, but at the same time, that's not my main priority."
During the interview, Em said that most of the time when he talks about people in his records, they aren't personal attacks. When asked about how he ruffled Nick Cannon's feathers when he dissed Mariah Carey on Relapse's "Bagpipes From Baghdad," Slim Shady downplayed it.
"Honestly, I said what I wanted to say, he said what he wanted to say. That is what it is too," Em said. Cannon voiced a similar opinion last week, saying he has no beef with the MC.
Em had more to say when asked about some of the up-and-coming MCs right now. He said he's digging Asher Roth and Kid Cudi, and was especially impressed by Bobby Ray, a.k.a. B.O.B. All three rappers were among MTV News' "MCs to Watch in '09" earlier this year.
"B.O.B. is crazy," he said. "He can rap, sing, makes his own beats." Em also revealed that he and Bobby had recently worked together in Detroit.
More seriously, Em spoke on his sobriety and said that during his Encore phase, he "felt kinda lost," regarding his balance between being famous and a regular person, not to mention his addiction to prescription drugs — an addiction he recently admitted he "almost died" from. In fact, Em said he was a "wee bit" under the influence last time he was the program.
"I literally have no recollection of doing the show," he said about his last time on "106."
50 Cent also appeared on the show as a surprise guest and congratulated Em on Relapse's success.
"Feels great. I'm glad to be back," he told the show's host.
"Record sales ... honestly, since the beginning of my career, I've kinda always said they're not as important to me as the respect and things like that," he added about the selling more than 600,000 records the first week of Relapse's release — a high for this year. "I would rather rap to get respect from the fans and my peers and things like that. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to sell any records, but at the same time, that's not my main priority."
During the interview, Em said that most of the time when he talks about people in his records, they aren't personal attacks. When asked about how he ruffled Nick Cannon's feathers when he dissed Mariah Carey on Relapse's "Bagpipes From Baghdad," Slim Shady downplayed it.
"Honestly, I said what I wanted to say, he said what he wanted to say. That is what it is too," Em said. Cannon voiced a similar opinion last week, saying he has no beef with the MC.
Em had more to say when asked about some of the up-and-coming MCs right now. He said he's digging Asher Roth and Kid Cudi, and was especially impressed by Bobby Ray, a.k.a. B.O.B. All three rappers were among MTV News' "MCs to Watch in '09" earlier this year.
"B.O.B. is crazy," he said. "He can rap, sing, makes his own beats." Em also revealed that he and Bobby had recently worked together in Detroit.
More seriously, Em spoke on his sobriety and said that during his Encore phase, he "felt kinda lost," regarding his balance between being famous and a regular person, not to mention his addiction to prescription drugs — an addiction he recently admitted he "almost died" from. In fact, Em said he was a "wee bit" under the influence last time he was the program.
"I literally have no recollection of doing the show," he said about his last time on "106."
50 Cent also appeared on the show as a surprise guest and congratulated Em on Relapse's success.
Time Warner dumps AOL
Media giant Time Warner Inc. announced plans yesterday to divorce Internet provider AOL LLC, ending one of the biggest, and most disastrous, mergers in history.
Time Warner, which owns 95% of AOL, will purchase Google Inc.' s 5% stake in the company in the third quarter of 2009 before spinning off AOL, the company said in a statement.
"This merger was monumentally unsuccessful," said Joseph Bonner, media analyst with Argus Research in New York. "AOL's been a drag since the merger, nine years ago. It never fit. It's time to get rid of it."
Michael Morris, UBS media analyst, values AOL at about US$4.2-billion, but expects that could increase to US$5.5-billion after Google sells its stake, valued at US$274-million.
New York-based Time Warner has spent the past several years trying to distance itself from AOL.
The global media conglomerate, which owns Time magazine, CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., dropped the "AOL" from its banner in 2003, only two years after consummating the US$106-billion marriage.
Time Warner now has a market cap of about US$28-billion, a fraction of Google's US$130-billion value. Even Facebook is worth twice as much as AOL, at US$10-billion.
Much like the dot-com boom and bust, AOL's rapid rise and fall is a cautionary tale of growing too much too fast.
Exploding onto the scene at the dawn of the Internet age as America Online, the company became legendary for its "You've Got Mail!" chime, poor customer service and distributing millions of floppy disks and CD-ROMs offering free trials.
However, AOL was slow to move away from its "walled-garden" approach, which kept subscribers from accessing content on the larger Internet outside of AOL's personal network. Even worse, the company missed the boat on broadband.
Even now, AOL still offers dial-up service, but makes no effort to actually market the product.
"They don't push it, but they let it decline at a natural rate," Mr. Bonner said. "They don't know what to do with it."
AOL and Time Warner came together just as the dot-com bubble burst, and things turned sour almost immediately.
The New York suits from Time Warner never meshed with the "Internet guys," Mr. Bonner said. On top of that, expected synergies from the mega-deal never developed.
"The lesson is bigger isn't necessarily better," he said.
In 2002, the company reported a US$99-billion loss as investors realized that AOL's stock was wildly overvalued. Company chair and AOL founder Steve Case and Time Warner patriarch Ted Turner both resigned by 2003, as AOL fell off its perch at the top of the Internet heap.
And in 2005, new Time Warner chief Dick Parsons had to pay US$300-million to the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle charges of an accounting issue that had plagued the company since the merger. Since then, Time Warner has concentrated on shrinking its size, spinning off its cable business in March.
Chief executives for the estranged companies tried to put a positive spin on things.
"We believe that a separation will be the best outcome for both Time Warner and AOL," Time Warner chief executive Jeff Bewkes said in a statement.
Tim Armstrong, chief executive of AOL, said the split was a "great opportunity" for the company and its employees.
AOL has changed its focus to online content, but has never come close to returning to its glory days.
As for Time Warner, the move is a big positive. "They no longer have to deal with AOL," Mr. Bonner said.
Time Warner, which owns 95% of AOL, will purchase Google Inc.' s 5% stake in the company in the third quarter of 2009 before spinning off AOL, the company said in a statement.
"This merger was monumentally unsuccessful," said Joseph Bonner, media analyst with Argus Research in New York. "AOL's been a drag since the merger, nine years ago. It never fit. It's time to get rid of it."
Michael Morris, UBS media analyst, values AOL at about US$4.2-billion, but expects that could increase to US$5.5-billion after Google sells its stake, valued at US$274-million.
New York-based Time Warner has spent the past several years trying to distance itself from AOL.
The global media conglomerate, which owns Time magazine, CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., dropped the "AOL" from its banner in 2003, only two years after consummating the US$106-billion marriage.
Time Warner now has a market cap of about US$28-billion, a fraction of Google's US$130-billion value. Even Facebook is worth twice as much as AOL, at US$10-billion.
Much like the dot-com boom and bust, AOL's rapid rise and fall is a cautionary tale of growing too much too fast.
Exploding onto the scene at the dawn of the Internet age as America Online, the company became legendary for its "You've Got Mail!" chime, poor customer service and distributing millions of floppy disks and CD-ROMs offering free trials.
However, AOL was slow to move away from its "walled-garden" approach, which kept subscribers from accessing content on the larger Internet outside of AOL's personal network. Even worse, the company missed the boat on broadband.
Even now, AOL still offers dial-up service, but makes no effort to actually market the product.
"They don't push it, but they let it decline at a natural rate," Mr. Bonner said. "They don't know what to do with it."
AOL and Time Warner came together just as the dot-com bubble burst, and things turned sour almost immediately.
The New York suits from Time Warner never meshed with the "Internet guys," Mr. Bonner said. On top of that, expected synergies from the mega-deal never developed.
"The lesson is bigger isn't necessarily better," he said.
In 2002, the company reported a US$99-billion loss as investors realized that AOL's stock was wildly overvalued. Company chair and AOL founder Steve Case and Time Warner patriarch Ted Turner both resigned by 2003, as AOL fell off its perch at the top of the Internet heap.
And in 2005, new Time Warner chief Dick Parsons had to pay US$300-million to the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle charges of an accounting issue that had plagued the company since the merger. Since then, Time Warner has concentrated on shrinking its size, spinning off its cable business in March.
Chief executives for the estranged companies tried to put a positive spin on things.
"We believe that a separation will be the best outcome for both Time Warner and AOL," Time Warner chief executive Jeff Bewkes said in a statement.
Tim Armstrong, chief executive of AOL, said the split was a "great opportunity" for the company and its employees.
AOL has changed its focus to online content, but has never come close to returning to its glory days.
As for Time Warner, the move is a big positive. "They no longer have to deal with AOL," Mr. Bonner said.
Celebrity Gossip
Miley Cyrus and the not so "suite" check
Either Disney is cheap, or doesn't think Miley Cyrus is worth that much -- because the Mouse is being a real tightwad when it comes to paying Cyrus for a cameo on one of their other shows.We got our hands on Miley's contract for her guest appearance on Disney's "The Suite Life on Deck" -- which airs in June -- and it only guarantees Miley $5,000 for a week of work.It may sound like a decent amount of scratch, but Miley's a big star and could easily get more for a guest spot on a non-Disney show.Hell, "Idol's" bikini girl made $10,000 for hosting a Vegas party recently.But the paltry paycheck actually makes a lot of sense, since the story we broke last year about Miley and her dad wanting out of "Hannah Montana" because there's far more money in singing than in doing a Disney cable show.
Rihanna's Command Performance -- In Court
Rihanna's lawyer just said that the D.A. told him his client will be subpoenaed at the next court hearing. Donald Etra said Rihanna will be called to the stand to testify at Chris Brown's preliminary hearing on June 22. Etra says his client will cooperate and take the stand. It's not at all unexpected that the alleged victim would be called to the stand in a prelim. Also today, the judge rejected a motion made by Chris Brown's lawyer, Mark Geragos, asking for an order requiring the LAPD to ante up info regarding leaks in the case.
Obama's historic, Hispanic choice
There are more Hispanics in the U.S. than Spaniards in Spain. That fact underscores some smart politics by President Barack Obama this week, who nominated a Hispanic judge to the U.S. Supreme Court.
It's a historic first for Americans of Spanish-speaking descent, who tend to be poorer, less educated and less represented in the top tiers of government than most other U.S. citizens.
It will be several months before appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor can take her place on the high court and several years before we know her legal impact there. But you can see the political impact right away.
Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States: approximately 45 million people, who make up 15 percent of the population. Spain has a population of about 41 million. Traditionally, Hispanics tend to support the Democratic Party but a shift in their preferences can swing elections.
George Bush, who had been governor of the heavily Hispanic state of Texas, courted their support nationwide and got nearly half their votes when he won the presidency in 2004.
Barack Obama worked hard to win them back and was elected last year on the strength of record Hispanic turnout.
Now he's forcing the Republicans into a difficult decision about whether to support Sotomayor for the Supreme Court.
Like all nominees, she'll have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Republican activists regard her judicial rulings as too left wing and want their senators to fight her nomination. They're ready to broadcast critical television ads, rally voters and try to build a national consensus against her.
But Republican lawmakers are the minority in the Senate, some are ready to support her and even those who oppose her don't have the numbers to defeat her nomination.
And, of course, Republicans want to win elections. They know that alienating Hispanics won't help.
If Sotomayor gets the job, Obama gets the credit and if she doesn't, Republicans get the blame. It's smart politics either way.
Whats your take on this?
It's a historic first for Americans of Spanish-speaking descent, who tend to be poorer, less educated and less represented in the top tiers of government than most other U.S. citizens.
It will be several months before appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor can take her place on the high court and several years before we know her legal impact there. But you can see the political impact right away.
Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States: approximately 45 million people, who make up 15 percent of the population. Spain has a population of about 41 million. Traditionally, Hispanics tend to support the Democratic Party but a shift in their preferences can swing elections.
George Bush, who had been governor of the heavily Hispanic state of Texas, courted their support nationwide and got nearly half their votes when he won the presidency in 2004.
Barack Obama worked hard to win them back and was elected last year on the strength of record Hispanic turnout.
Now he's forcing the Republicans into a difficult decision about whether to support Sotomayor for the Supreme Court.
Like all nominees, she'll have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Republican activists regard her judicial rulings as too left wing and want their senators to fight her nomination. They're ready to broadcast critical television ads, rally voters and try to build a national consensus against her.
But Republican lawmakers are the minority in the Senate, some are ready to support her and even those who oppose her don't have the numbers to defeat her nomination.
And, of course, Republicans want to win elections. They know that alienating Hispanics won't help.
If Sotomayor gets the job, Obama gets the credit and if she doesn't, Republicans get the blame. It's smart politics either way.
Whats your take on this?
New IPhone or what?
In exactly a month Apple is widely expected to unveil a new iPhone at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. Apple has sold more than 21 million of the smartphones since its launch in 2007 - a small number compared with the sales of mobile phones overall but the iPhone has had a disproportionately huge impact. Companies have been falling over themselves to produce touch screen phones with App stores.
There are already 35,000 apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch and there have been 1 billion downloads in just nine months. As the advertising slogan goes - there's an App for that. I even saw one the other day for gun enthusiasts called Bullet Flight which works with a special mount for an M110 sniper rifle: “You can set firearm/ammunition profiles, then call up the saved profile and enter your environment information, for example, distance, wind direction, elevation and temperature.” No jokes about killer apps please.
We know that Apple will be making available the new iPhone 3.0 operating system this summer and most people assume it will be launched at WWDC in early June. The iPhone 3.0 OS includes such goodies as cut, copy and paste; MMS: landscape view for Mail: stereo Bluetooth: syncing Notes to the Mac and PC: shake to shuffle, parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store, and a new Voice Memo app.
So what will the new iPhone have? What are the rumours and how much can we believe them? Here is a rundown:
There are already 35,000 apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch and there have been 1 billion downloads in just nine months. As the advertising slogan goes - there's an App for that. I even saw one the other day for gun enthusiasts called Bullet Flight which works with a special mount for an M110 sniper rifle: “You can set firearm/ammunition profiles, then call up the saved profile and enter your environment information, for example, distance, wind direction, elevation and temperature.” No jokes about killer apps please.
We know that Apple will be making available the new iPhone 3.0 operating system this summer and most people assume it will be launched at WWDC in early June. The iPhone 3.0 OS includes such goodies as cut, copy and paste; MMS: landscape view for Mail: stereo Bluetooth: syncing Notes to the Mac and PC: shake to shuffle, parental controls for TV shows, movies and apps from the App Store, and a new Voice Memo app.
So what will the new iPhone have? What are the rumours and how much can we believe them? Here is a rundown:
Thursday, May 28, 2009
END OF WORK
WELL MY WORK DAY IS ABOUT TO END AND I AM SO DAMN HAPPY,JUST GETTING OUT OF THIS BUILDING HAS A REFRESHING FEELING..TAKE THE 45 MINUTE COMMUTE ON THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD HOME AND MAYBE SLEEP ON THERE ALSO...GET HOME KISS MY PRINCESS DO HOMEWORK AND MAYBE I CAN HAVE SOME PLAY TIME WORKING ON THE PROJECT, WHICH I MAY SAY IS COMING ALONG REALLY GOOD...THE HARD PART ABOUT PAINTING IN THE WIND, THATS HURTING ME..BUT I AM DOING A REAL GOOD JOB SO FAR AND IT COMING ALONG WELL...AS FAR AS DINNER GOES, I HAVE NO IDEA BUT I MAY WANT TO MAKWE SOME CHICKEN AND PASTA...YUMMY...WELL MY FRIENDS TALK TO YOU AGAIN LATER..STAY SAFE..
Rapper T.I sentencing
In the year that he is awaiting sentencing, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, must complete at least 1,000 hours of a total 1,500 hours of community service, talking to youth groups about the pitfalls of guns, gangs and drugs.
He will be sentenced to serve about 12 months in prison after completing the community service, officials said. His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, they said.
Harris, 27, who was dressed in a gray business suit, told the judge he understands the terms of the agreement.
He pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, unlawful possession of machine guns and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Harris is one of pop music's most successful artists.
U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said Harris will remain "under strict bond conditions" during the next year.
He said Harris' sentencing was deferred "to allow him to perform a unique and extensive program -- at least 1,000 hours -- of community service. That service will focus on using his high public visibility and his talents to tell at-risk young people about the mistakes he has made and to educate them about the dangers of violence, guns, gangs and drugs."
Nahmias said under the agreement, Harris will have to serve a year in prison and three years of supervised home detention, perform a total of 1,500 hours of community service and pay a $100,000 fine.
Failure to fulfill his obligations will net Harris a "much longer prison sentence," Nahmias said.
Harris spoke to the media briefly after the hearing.
"I'd like to thank God for blessing me with a second chance in life and success," he said, adding that he takes the charges against him very seriously.
"I'm looking forward to turning this negative time in my life into a positive," he said. "I know I have a long road of redemption to travel."
He was arrested Oct. 13, just blocks away and hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.
Harris was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
He was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. He initially pleaded not guilty, and has been under house arrest since he was released on $3 million bond on Oct. 26.
U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the deal.
Harris, who is co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, grew up in Atlanta. His first taste of success came with his 2003 album, "Trap Muzik." In 2004, warrants were issued for his arrest on probation violations for a drug conviction, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars..
He will be sentenced to serve about 12 months in prison after completing the community service, officials said. His prison time could be increased or reduced, depending on his fulfillment of the terms of the deal and good behavior, they said.
Harris, 27, who was dressed in a gray business suit, told the judge he understands the terms of the agreement.
He pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, unlawful possession of machine guns and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Harris is one of pop music's most successful artists.
U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said Harris will remain "under strict bond conditions" during the next year.
He said Harris' sentencing was deferred "to allow him to perform a unique and extensive program -- at least 1,000 hours -- of community service. That service will focus on using his high public visibility and his talents to tell at-risk young people about the mistakes he has made and to educate them about the dangers of violence, guns, gangs and drugs."
Nahmias said under the agreement, Harris will have to serve a year in prison and three years of supervised home detention, perform a total of 1,500 hours of community service and pay a $100,000 fine.
Failure to fulfill his obligations will net Harris a "much longer prison sentence," Nahmias said.
Harris spoke to the media briefly after the hearing.
"I'd like to thank God for blessing me with a second chance in life and success," he said, adding that he takes the charges against him very seriously.
"I'm looking forward to turning this negative time in my life into a positive," he said. "I know I have a long road of redemption to travel."
He was arrested Oct. 13, just blocks away and hours before he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta.
Harris was charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.
He was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers. He initially pleaded not guilty, and has been under house arrest since he was released on $3 million bond on Oct. 26.
U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. must approve the deal.
Harris, who is co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records, grew up in Atlanta. His first taste of success came with his 2003 album, "Trap Muzik." In 2004, warrants were issued for his arrest on probation violations for a drug conviction, and he was sentenced to three years behind bars..
The Top Ten Reasons Marijuana Should Be Legal
10. Prohibition has failed to control the use and domestic production of marijuana. The government has tried to use criminal penalties to prevent marijuana use for over 75 years and yet: marijuana is now used by over 25 million people annually, cannabis is currently the largest cash crop in the United States, and marijuana is grown all over the planet. Claims that marijuana prohibition is a successful policy are ludicrous and unsupported by the facts, and the idea that marijuana will soon be eliminated from America and the rest of the world is a ridiculous fantasy.
9. Arrests for marijuana possession disproportionately affect blacks and Hispanics and reinforce the perception that law enforcement is biased and prejudiced against minorities. African-Americans account for approximately 13% of the population of the United States and about 13.5% of annual marijuana users, however, blacks also account for 26% of all marijuana arrests. Recent studies have demonstrated that blacks and Hispanics account for the majority of marijuana possession arrests in New York City, primarily for smoking marijuana in public view. Law enforcement has failed to demonstrate that marijuana laws can be enforced fairly without regard to race; far too often minorities are arrested for marijuana use while white/non-Hispanic Americans face a much lower risk of arrest.
8. A regulated, legal market in marijuana would reduce marijuana sales and use among teenagers, as well as reduce their exposure to other drugs in the illegal market. The illegality of marijuana makes it more valuable than if it were legal, providing opportunities for teenagers to make easy money selling it to their friends. If the excessive profits for marijuana sales were ended through legalization there would be less incentive for teens to sell it to one another. Teenage use of alcohol and tobacco remain serious public health problems even though those drugs are legal for adults, however, the availability of alcohol and tobacco is not made even more widespread by providing kids with economic incentives to sell either one to their friends and peers.
7. Legalized marijuana would reduce the flow of money from the American economy to international criminal gangs. Marijuana's illegality makes foreign cultivation and smuggling to the United States extremely profitable, sending billions of dollars overseas in an underground economy while diverting funds from productive economic development.
6. Marijuana's legalization would simplify the development of hemp as a valuable and diverse agricultural crop in the United States, including its development as a new bio-fuel to reduce carbon emissions. Canada and European countries have managed to support legal hemp cultivation without legalizing marijuana, but in the United States opposition to legal marijuana remains the biggest obstacle to development of industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity. As US energy policy continues to embrace and promote the development of bio-fuels as an alternative to oil dependency and a way to reduce carbon emissions, it is all the more important to develop industrial hemp as a bio-fuel source - especially since use of hemp stalks as a fuel source will not increase demand and prices for food, such as corn. Legalization of marijuana will greatly simplify the regulatory burden on prospective hemp cultivation in the United States.
5. Prohibition is based on lies and disinformation. Justification of marijuana's illegality increasingly requires distortions and selective uses of the scientific record, causing harm to the credibility of teachers, law enforcement officials, and scientists throughout the country. The dangers of marijuana use have been exaggerated for almost a century and the modern scientific record does not support the reefer madness predictions of the past and present. Many claims of marijuana's danger are based on old 20th century prejudices that originated in a time when science was uncertain how marijuana produced its characteristic effects. Since the cannabinoid receptor system was discovered in the late 1980s these hysterical concerns about marijuana's dangerousness have not been confirmed with modern research. Everyone agrees that marijuana, or any other drug use such as alcohol or tobacco use, is not for children. Nonetheless, adults have demonstrated over the last several decades that marijuana can be used moderately without harmful impacts to the individual or society.
4. Marijuana is not a lethal drug and is safer than alcohol. It is established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible, and marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco. It is unfair and unjust to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than the users of alcohol or tobacco.
3. Marijuana is too expensive for our justice system and should instead be taxed to support beneficial government programs. Law enforcement has more important responsibilities than arresting 750,000 individuals a year for marijuana possession, especially given the additional justice costs of disposing of each of these cases. Marijuana arrests make justice more expensive and less efficient in the United States, wasting jail space, clogging up court systems, and diverting time of police, attorneys, judges, and corrections officials away from violent crime, the sexual abuse of children, and terrorism. Furthermore, taxation of marijuana can provide needed and generous funding of many important criminal justice and social programs.
2. Marijuana use has positive attributes, such as its medical value and use as a recreational drug with relatively mild side effects. Many people use marijuana because they have made an informed decision that it is good for them, especially Americans suffering from a variety of serious ailments. Marijuana provides relief from pain, nausea, spasticity, and other symptoms for many individuals who have not been treated successfully with conventional medications. Many American adults prefer marijuana to the use of alcohol as a mild and moderate way to relax. Americans use marijuana because they choose to, and one of the reasons for that choice is their personal observation that the drug has a relatively low dependence liability and easy-to-manage side effects. Most marijuana users develop tolerance to many of marijuana's side effects, and those who do not, choose to stop using the drug. Marijuana use is the result of informed consent in which individuals have decided that the benefits of use outweigh the risks, especially since, for most Americans, the greatest risk of using marijuana is the relatively low risk of arrest.
1. Marijuana users are determined to stand up to the injustice of marijuana probation and accomplish legalization, no matter how long or what it takes to succeed. Despite the threat of arrests and a variety of other punishments and sanctions marijuana users have persisted in their support for legalization for over a generation. They refuse to give up their long quest for justice because they believe in the fundamental values of American society. Prohibition has failed to silence marijuana users despite its best attempts over the last generation. The issue of marijuana's legalization is a persistent issue that, like marijuana, will simply not go away. Marijuana will be legalized because marijuana users will continue to fight for it until they succeed.
COME ONE GOV'T LEGALIZE IT SO WE CAN HAVE PEACE ON EARTH...
9. Arrests for marijuana possession disproportionately affect blacks and Hispanics and reinforce the perception that law enforcement is biased and prejudiced against minorities. African-Americans account for approximately 13% of the population of the United States and about 13.5% of annual marijuana users, however, blacks also account for 26% of all marijuana arrests. Recent studies have demonstrated that blacks and Hispanics account for the majority of marijuana possession arrests in New York City, primarily for smoking marijuana in public view. Law enforcement has failed to demonstrate that marijuana laws can be enforced fairly without regard to race; far too often minorities are arrested for marijuana use while white/non-Hispanic Americans face a much lower risk of arrest.
8. A regulated, legal market in marijuana would reduce marijuana sales and use among teenagers, as well as reduce their exposure to other drugs in the illegal market. The illegality of marijuana makes it more valuable than if it were legal, providing opportunities for teenagers to make easy money selling it to their friends. If the excessive profits for marijuana sales were ended through legalization there would be less incentive for teens to sell it to one another. Teenage use of alcohol and tobacco remain serious public health problems even though those drugs are legal for adults, however, the availability of alcohol and tobacco is not made even more widespread by providing kids with economic incentives to sell either one to their friends and peers.
7. Legalized marijuana would reduce the flow of money from the American economy to international criminal gangs. Marijuana's illegality makes foreign cultivation and smuggling to the United States extremely profitable, sending billions of dollars overseas in an underground economy while diverting funds from productive economic development.
6. Marijuana's legalization would simplify the development of hemp as a valuable and diverse agricultural crop in the United States, including its development as a new bio-fuel to reduce carbon emissions. Canada and European countries have managed to support legal hemp cultivation without legalizing marijuana, but in the United States opposition to legal marijuana remains the biggest obstacle to development of industrial hemp as a valuable agricultural commodity. As US energy policy continues to embrace and promote the development of bio-fuels as an alternative to oil dependency and a way to reduce carbon emissions, it is all the more important to develop industrial hemp as a bio-fuel source - especially since use of hemp stalks as a fuel source will not increase demand and prices for food, such as corn. Legalization of marijuana will greatly simplify the regulatory burden on prospective hemp cultivation in the United States.
5. Prohibition is based on lies and disinformation. Justification of marijuana's illegality increasingly requires distortions and selective uses of the scientific record, causing harm to the credibility of teachers, law enforcement officials, and scientists throughout the country. The dangers of marijuana use have been exaggerated for almost a century and the modern scientific record does not support the reefer madness predictions of the past and present. Many claims of marijuana's danger are based on old 20th century prejudices that originated in a time when science was uncertain how marijuana produced its characteristic effects. Since the cannabinoid receptor system was discovered in the late 1980s these hysterical concerns about marijuana's dangerousness have not been confirmed with modern research. Everyone agrees that marijuana, or any other drug use such as alcohol or tobacco use, is not for children. Nonetheless, adults have demonstrated over the last several decades that marijuana can be used moderately without harmful impacts to the individual or society.
4. Marijuana is not a lethal drug and is safer than alcohol. It is established scientific fact that marijuana is not toxic to humans; marijuana overdoses are nearly impossible, and marijuana is not nearly as addictive as alcohol or tobacco. It is unfair and unjust to treat marijuana users more harshly under the law than the users of alcohol or tobacco.
3. Marijuana is too expensive for our justice system and should instead be taxed to support beneficial government programs. Law enforcement has more important responsibilities than arresting 750,000 individuals a year for marijuana possession, especially given the additional justice costs of disposing of each of these cases. Marijuana arrests make justice more expensive and less efficient in the United States, wasting jail space, clogging up court systems, and diverting time of police, attorneys, judges, and corrections officials away from violent crime, the sexual abuse of children, and terrorism. Furthermore, taxation of marijuana can provide needed and generous funding of many important criminal justice and social programs.
2. Marijuana use has positive attributes, such as its medical value and use as a recreational drug with relatively mild side effects. Many people use marijuana because they have made an informed decision that it is good for them, especially Americans suffering from a variety of serious ailments. Marijuana provides relief from pain, nausea, spasticity, and other symptoms for many individuals who have not been treated successfully with conventional medications. Many American adults prefer marijuana to the use of alcohol as a mild and moderate way to relax. Americans use marijuana because they choose to, and one of the reasons for that choice is their personal observation that the drug has a relatively low dependence liability and easy-to-manage side effects. Most marijuana users develop tolerance to many of marijuana's side effects, and those who do not, choose to stop using the drug. Marijuana use is the result of informed consent in which individuals have decided that the benefits of use outweigh the risks, especially since, for most Americans, the greatest risk of using marijuana is the relatively low risk of arrest.
1. Marijuana users are determined to stand up to the injustice of marijuana probation and accomplish legalization, no matter how long or what it takes to succeed. Despite the threat of arrests and a variety of other punishments and sanctions marijuana users have persisted in their support for legalization for over a generation. They refuse to give up their long quest for justice because they believe in the fundamental values of American society. Prohibition has failed to silence marijuana users despite its best attempts over the last generation. The issue of marijuana's legalization is a persistent issue that, like marijuana, will simply not go away. Marijuana will be legalized because marijuana users will continue to fight for it until they succeed.
COME ONE GOV'T LEGALIZE IT SO WE CAN HAVE PEACE ON EARTH...
Jay-z Live Nation deal
May 28, 2009. Remember last year when Jay Z supposedly signed a $150M deal with Live Nation. What happened you ask?? Well word on the street is that the deal was never “officially” consummated – meaning the contracts were never signed - and now the peeps over at Live Nation are looking to back out of it. And there may be something to the whispers. Because here’s an excerpt in today’s NY Daily News about a new deal between Jay Z and Atlantic:
A well-placed industry source tells us that Jay - who recently left Def Jam as a recording artist (he served as its president from 2004-2007) - has been taking top-secret meetings with his old pals and former managers Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles. Topics of the hush-hush conversations have included giving Jay his own record label at WMG, tentatively to be called the Carter Music Group. "Jay knows Lyor and Kevin from back when they all worked together at Def Jam, and he obviously wants to work something out with his friends," says our insider. "He wants to get the dream team back together. There have been a few whiffs of a reunion in the past, but only now - and very privately - is something finally starting to happen." We can tell you FOR A FACT that Atlantic ain’t got nowhere near $150 million to give to Jay. So then why ELSE would Jay give up his Live Nation money to go there…
A well-placed industry source tells us that Jay - who recently left Def Jam as a recording artist (he served as its president from 2004-2007) - has been taking top-secret meetings with his old pals and former managers Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles. Topics of the hush-hush conversations have included giving Jay his own record label at WMG, tentatively to be called the Carter Music Group. "Jay knows Lyor and Kevin from back when they all worked together at Def Jam, and he obviously wants to work something out with his friends," says our insider. "He wants to get the dream team back together. There have been a few whiffs of a reunion in the past, but only now - and very privately - is something finally starting to happen." We can tell you FOR A FACT that Atlantic ain’t got nowhere near $150 million to give to Jay. So then why ELSE would Jay give up his Live Nation money to go there…
STILL IN THE MORNING
Did you or do you have that annoying co-worker that just say's the dumbest things to you at the wrong damn time..Well i have a few of them, they was brought here to punish me and make want to beat the living snott from them..But I am not today, I am going to go back to work and think positive thoughts...Thinking calm waves, wooooosiiiiiiii
MY DAY
Today has started of good so far, woke up on time got my daughter off to school and made it to work..Sorry not so good then...Why in the world do we have to work, it would be so simple to be rich and sit on your butt and not do nothing or have a care in the world for anything..That would be the best way to start and end days..But it being wishful thinking will not come to past in this lifetime that we have...But any way...Sorry to Mike Tyson over the lose of your daughter, I have a daughter and I cannot imagine what it or ever could feel like...My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of need...
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